How much does a microwave cost to run?
A typical microwave costs about 2.6p per use to run. At 10 uses a week that is 26.3p a week, or £13.69 a year, based on 1,200 W for 5 minutes (0.10 kWh) at 26.32p per kWh.
Adjust for your microwave
Worked example
1,200 W is 1.2 kW. Running for 5 minutes (5 ÷ 60 ≈ 0.083 hours) uses 1.2 × 0.083 ≈ 0.10 kWh. At 26.32p per kWh that costs 2.6p.
Ten uses a week comes to £13.69 a year, which makes the microwave one of the cheapest ways to heat a meal. The saving shows when it replaces a full oven for a single portion.
How to cut the cost
A microwave heats the food rather than a whole cooking space, so it suits reheating and small portions. Use a cover to keep moisture in, stir halfway through, and choose it over the oven when you are cooking for one.
Questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave for 5 minutes?
A 1,200 W microwave on full power for five minutes uses 0.10 kWh, which costs 2.6p at 26.32p per kWh.
Why does a microwave draw more power than its label says?
The wattage on the front describes the microwave energy that cooks the food. The appliance itself needs more than that from the socket, so the electricity used is noticeably higher than the cooking power.
Other appliances
Electricity rate: Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026, Great Britain average, Direct Debit, default tariff: 26.32p per kWh. Your own tariff and region may differ, so change the rate above to match your bill. Appliance figures are typical estimates; your appliance's energy label or manual is more accurate. Last checked 2026-11-03. Next review: January 2027, when Ofgem announces the next quarter's cap.